By Danlette G. Washington

On December 3, 2024, Namibia made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party.

Her victory marks a significant milestone for the country and for women in African politics, as she prepares to take office in March 2025.

According to the Electoral Commission of Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured over 57% of the vote, decisively defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula, who received 26%.

While her win was celebrated, the National Assembly elections revealed a weakened SWAPO, which was reduced to 51 seats, a narrow majority of just three reflecting the party’s weakest showing since independence in 1990.

The election comes after a stormy year in Namibian politics. Outgoing President Hage Geingob passed away on February 4, 2024, following a battle with cancer. His vice president, Nangolo Mbumba, assumed the presidency but announced that he would not seek election, opting instead to serve out the remainder of Geingob’s term, which ends on March 21, 2025.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, is also current vice president of Namibia and a seasoned diplomat, emerged as SWAPO’s candidate, representing continuity while also breaking barriers in the male-dominated political landscape of the country.

Therefore, her election has been hailed as a victory for African women.

Meanwhile, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Nandi-Ndaitwah, stating, “Your election as the fifth president of the Republic and the first woman in our region to hold this high office is a testament to democracy and its ability to transform our societies.”

The historic win has drawn comparisons to other trailblazing African women leaders, including Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president, and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, who currently leads her nation.

Prominent figures across the continent also expressed their admiration. Peter Quaqua, President of the West African Journalists Association, acknowledged Nandi-Ndaitwah’s win, “Africa elects one more woman president. Well done to the people of Namibia.”

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to the presidency is seen as a monumental step forward in the representation of women in African leadership. Observers note the challenges she overcame to secure her place, from navigating a male-dominated political sphere to steering SWAPO through a period of political and electoral uncertainty.

Moreover, Her victory is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of progress for Namibia and Africa at large. As the country prepares to inaugurate its first female president, many hope her leadership will inspire a new generation of women across the continent to pursue political and civic roles at the highest levels.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url